The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story – DVD Review

When you think of a film like Mary Poppins the first thing that comes to mind, especially for me, are the fantastic songs. Those songs and dozens upon dozens of others in Disney films and theme parks are the work of two men known as The Boys. These two men and their legacy are showcased in this eye-opening documentary, The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story.

Robert and Richard Sherman are two of the most prolific songwriters in modern history. Their songs have been nominated for Academy Awards, their music and lyrics have been hummed, whistled, and sung by men and women of all ages for over four decades.

While we fondly recall songs like “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins or cringe at the sound of “It’s a Small World,” the happy music that they created did not reflect the mood behind-the-scenes. The Sherman Brothers’ life together was filled with conflict and at times animosity; two things you would never surmise from listening to “A Spoonful of Sugar.”

The Sherman Brothers created a brand and a style that made them an important staple in the Disney legacy, and Walt Disney knew he had something special on his hands. With interviews of relatives, celebrities, directors, and more, The Boys shows us the creative and personal sides of two of Disney’s most iconic musical magicians.